Hemophagocytosis associated with an Escherichia coli sepsis:: a case report

Introduction. - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome (HLS) is defined by activated macrophage proliferation. These cells phagocyte the blood elements. This syndrome can be primary as an autosomal recessive disease or secondary to neoplasia, immune diseases or infections-viral, parasitary or bacterian. Case. - Our case concerns an association of HLS and Escherichia coli (E. coli) sepsis in a metastatic prostatic cancer. The evolution was rapidly improved by antibiotics alone. The clinical and biological aspects as well as the differential diagnosis are discussed. Conclusion. - The HLS is fatal. It can be caused by a severe infection, even an E. coli sepsis. The treatment focused on etiology can be sufficient. (C) 2003 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.